In the commentary on Sharh al-Aqeedah at-Tahawiyyah (Ibn Abi al-Izz), page 288 addresses Allah's transcendence (Al-'Ulu) and transcendence above the Throne. It specifically highlights a report from Imam Abu Hanifah regarding the necessity of believing Allah is in the heavens, refuting the view that Allah is physically everywhere. For more details, visit Luton Islamic Centre ashabulhadeeth.com
You haven't provided enough context for me to understand what you're referring to. However, I can try to help you with the text related to "Sharh Tahawiyyah page 288". The Sharh Tahawiyyah is a book written by Ibn Abi Izz al-Hanafi, a renowned Islamic scholar, which is a commentary on the famous creed of Imam al-Tahawi. Without more context, I couldn't find the specific page 288. Could you provide more context or information about what you are looking for on that specific page? such as which chapter or topic it relates to? Alternatively, I can try to provide you with some general information about the book or its author if that would be helpful.
Page 288 of the Ibn Abi al-Izz commentary on Sharh Al-Aqidah At-Tahawiyyah (translated by Ansari) explores the definition of Iman (Faith) and Islam, specifically debating whether actions are included in the definition of faith. The section presents a critical analysis of theological perspectives on salvation, highlighting the differences between Ahl al-Hadith and the Hanafi school regarding whether faith is static or fluctuates, a section noted for its dense, academic tone. For more details, visit Internet Archive . Full text of "Sharh Aqeedah Tahawiyyah" - Internet Archive
Finding Clarity: A Deep Dive into Page 288 of Sharh al-Aqidah at-Tahawiyyah If you are a student of Islamic creed ( Aqidah ), you know that Ibn Abi al-Izz’s Sharh al-Aqidah at-Tahawiyyah is a cornerstone text. While the entire work is vital, page 288 (in standard editions like those based on the Dar al-Salam or Al-Risalah prints) is particularly famous because it tackles one of the most significant questions in theology: Where is Allah? The Core Discussion: Allah’s Transcendence ( al-’Ulu ) On this page, the commentary explains the concept of Allah being above His Throne ( al-’Arsh ). The discussion isn't just about location; it’s about the Grandeur and Transcendence of the Creator. Key points often highlighted on page 288 include: The Position of the Salaf: Ibn Abi al-Izz cites early scholars like Imam Abu Hanifa to clarify that believing Allah is above the heavens is part of the original Fitrah (natural inclination) of a believer. The Famous Statement of Abu Hanifa: A central feature of this page is the report from Abu Muti’ al-Balkhi . When asked about someone who says, "I do not know whether my Lord is in the heavens or on earth," Abu Hanifa is quoted as saying such a person has strayed, because Allah Himself says, "The Most Merciful rose over the Throne" (Quran 20:5). Knowledge vs. Essence: The text carefully distinguishes between Allah's Essence ( Dhat ), which is above the Throne, and His Knowledge , which encompasses everything and is everywhere. Why This Matters for Us Today Understanding this section helps bridge the gap between complex theological debates and simple, devotional faith. It teaches us that: Allah is Unique: He does not resemble His creation nor is He contained by it. A Balanced Approach: We affirm what Allah and His Messenger affirmed without falling into tashbih (comparing Allah to creation) or ta'til (denying His attributes). Digging Deeper If you are following along in your own copy, look for the section titled "The Throne and the Footstool" or the discussion on "Fawqiyyah" (Highness). For a deeper look at the Arabic text and its various translations, you can explore the full text on Archive.org or check out the English-Arabic parallel version provided by Abu Amina Elias . Full text of "Sharh Aqeedah Tahawiyyah" - Internet Archive sharh tahawiyyah page 288
The text on page 288 of Sharh al-Aqida al-Tahawiyya by Ibn Abi al-Izz al-Hanafi primarily addresses the position and height of Allah's Throne (al-'Arsh) and the theological stance regarding its location . Key Theological Points on Page 288 The Position of the Throne : The text includes a report from Abu Muti’ al-Balkhi, who asked Imam Abu Hanifa about a person who claims not to know whether Allah is in the heavens or on earth. Apostasy regarding the 'Arsh : Abu Hanifa is quoted as stating that such a person becomes an apostate because Allah has declared in the Quran: "The Merciful has ascended above the Throne" (Surah Ta-Ha, 20:5). He further clarified that if a person admits Allah is above His Throne but denies the Throne is above the heavens, they are likewise in error. Comparison with Imam Malik : The commentary often contrasts this with Imam Malik’s famous statement that Allah is above the heavens, while His knowledge encompasses everything . Structure of the Heavens : The page may also contain details from related ahadith describing the Throne as being like a dome over the heavens. Context of the Work This specific page is part of a broader section in Sharh al-Aqida al-Tahawiyya discussing: Allah's Attributes : Defending the belief that Allah is above His creation ( al-'Uluw ). The Throne and the Footstool : Affirming that both are real and created, yet Allah is not in need of them. Refutation of Deviance : Correcting views that negate Allah's attributes or misinterpret His location. For further study, you can access the full English translation of the Commentary on the Creed of At-Tahawi or the Arabic original . Full text of "Sharh Aqeedah Tahawiyyah" - Internet Archive
This is a specific request referencing "Sharh Tahawiyyah page 288" — most likely referring to Sharḥ al-‘Aqīdah al-Ṭaḥāwiyyah by Ibn Abi al-‘Izz al-Ḥanafī (or possibly a modern commentary). Since I don’t have the exact text of that page in front of me, I will write a general academic essay based on the typical content found around that section of the commentary. Page 288 often falls within the discussion of Divine Decree (al-Qadr) , human free will, and the nature of actions — a core topic in Islamic theology. If you provide the specific passage or edition, I can tailor it exactly. For now, here is a model essay:
Essay: The Question of Human Action and Divine Decree – An Analysis of Sharḥ al-Ṭaḥāwiyyah (Page 288) The theological exposition of Imam Abū Ja‘far al-Ṭaḥāwī (d. 321 AH) remains one of the most authoritative summaries of Sunni creed. Its commentary by Ibn Abi al-‘Izz (d. 792 AH), Sharḥ al-‘Aqīdah al-Ṭaḥāwiyyah , provides a rigorous Hanafī (and broadly Salafi-oriented) elaboration. On page 288 of standard Arabic editions, the commentary typically addresses a pivotal question: How can human beings be held accountable for their actions if Allah has decreed everything? Context of Page 288 By this point in the text, Ibn Abi al-‘Izz has already established Allah’s absolute will, knowledge, and creation of all actions — good and evil. The opponent’s objection is classical: if Allah created the act of disbelief, how can He punish the disbeliever? On page 288, the commentator synthesizes the Sunni middle path between the Mu‘tazilī (who denied Allah’s creation of human acts) and the Jabarī (who denied human agency entirely). Key Arguments on This Page In the commentary on Sharh al-Aqeedah at-Tahawiyyah (Ibn
Attribution of Acts (Kasb): Ibn Abi al-‘Izz reiterates that humans acquire their voluntary acts. While Allah creates the act as a reality, the human chooses it through will and power that Allah also creates. This “acquisition” (kasb) makes reward and punishment just.
Moral Responsibility without Autonomy: He argues that moral responsibility does not require absolute independence from Allah’s creation. A person who freely chooses to strike another is rightly punished, even though Allah created the hand’s motion and the blow’s effect. The choice is real, not illusory.
Wisdom Behind Decree: Page 288 often refutes the notion that decree excuses sin. The commentator quotes early scholars: “Do not argue about decree with an argument you would not accept from Allah on the Day of Judgment.” He affirms that Allah decreed sin for wise purposes (testing, distinguishing obedient from disobedient, manifesting His justice in punishment). However, I can try to help you with
Rejecting Blaming Allah: Ibn Abi al-‘Izz fiercely condemns using qadr as an excuse for disobedience, citing the Qur’an: “Those who associate partners will say, ‘If Allah had willed, we would not have associated…’” (6:148) — a preemptive excuse rejected by revelation.
Significance for Sunni Orthodoxy This page is crucial because it defends two simultaneous truths:
